Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva near Veytaux is Switzerland's most visited historic sight – a medieval water castle on a rock directly in the lake, whose towers and walls are reflected in the turquoise waves. The castle was developed from the 12th century onwards and served the Counts of Savoy as a residence and prison.

The English poet Lord Byron immortalised the castle in 1816 in his poem «The Prisoner of Chillon» – the most famous literary monument to any Swiss building. The interiors are fully preserved and include halls, dungeons, chapels and frescoes. The lakeside path from Veytaux-Chillon station directly along the water to the castle is one of the finest short lakeside promenades on Lake Geneva.

Chillon Castle is accessible by train from Montreux in just a few minutes (stop Veytaux-Chillon) or on foot in around 30 minutes. By car, take the lake road from Montreux. Parking near the castle. Admission charged: chillon.ch